2018 Mazda CX-5 Specs, Release Date, Prices

When redesigned the CX-5 last year, Mazda made important improvements including more comfortable ride quality, better cabin, and new technology and safety features. With its agile and traditional steering and suspension, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best small SUVs in the market.

A quiet and comfortable cabin don’t reduce the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reputation as a fun drive vehicle. The only thing lacking is the engine upgrade. Although performance is on par with the base engine on the competitors, there’s nothing more powerful available. Models like the Kia Sportage and Chevrolet Equinox offer a powerful turbocharged engine if you after something.

Overall the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a balance between practicality, comfort and excellent sportiness. With sleek and modern exterior design, and although not very spacious on the inside, the CX-5 still offers a number of competitive spaces for passengers and cargo. High quality interior materials, along with standard technology and comfort features, imply a sense of a vehicle whose price should be slightly more expensive.

Trim and Features

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

Standard features for the Sport trim includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, low-speed forward collision warning and mitigation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a fold and recline 40/20/40-split rear seat, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a four-speaker sound system, two USB ports and a four-speaker stereo.

Engine Specs

All the 2018 Mazda CX-5 models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive available as an option. For 2018, the CX-5 also features with a new cylinder-deactivation technology, which automatically shuts down the two outside engine cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize fuel efficiency.

In performance testing, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is quick time compared rivals with similar engines. However, many vehicles in this class offer upgraded engines. EPA fuel economy ratings at 28 mpg combined (25 city/35 highway) in front-drive models and 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway) with all-wheel drive.

Release Date and Price

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has reached dealerships since December. Prices start from $24,150 for the Sport trim, the mid-level Touring start at $23,215 and the top-range Grand Touring at $29,645. All-wheel drive is still a $1300 option regardless of trim level. Also, Mazda has discontinued the Grand Select model that was introduced last year.